Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Legal Procedure and the Reporting Environment Syllabus

How does a grand jury differ from a trial (petit) jury?

A grand jury determines whether to bring charges (probable cause) and is larger (typically 16-23); a petit jury decides guilt or liability at trial and is smaller (typically 6-12).

What is an administrative hearing?

A quasi-judicial proceeding before a government agency, presided over by an administrative law judge (ALJ), to resolve disputes involving agency regulations or benefits.

What is an Examination Under Oath (EUO)?

A formal sworn questioning, commonly used in insurance claims, where a claimant answers questions under oath outside of litigation; often recorded by a reporter.

What is arbitration?

A private, out-of-court dispute resolution process in which a neutral arbitrator hears evidence and renders a decision (award), which may be binding or non-binding.

How does arbitration differ from litigation?

Arbitration is private, generally faster and less formal, uses an arbitrator instead of a judge/jury, has limited appeal rights, and is often based on the parties' agreement.

What is a notary public's core authority relevant to court reporters?

A notary public is authorized by the state to administer oaths and affirmations, witness signatures, and certify documents.

Why do many court reporters become notaries public?

So they have the legal authority to administer the oath to deponents and witnesses, which is required to take sworn testimony in many jurisdictions.

What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation?

An oath is a sworn declaration invoking God or a sacred reference; an affirmation is a solemn, secular pledge to tell the truth, carrying the same legal weight and penalties for perjury.

What is the standard language used to swear in a witness?

Asking whether they 'solemnly swear (or affirm) that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.'

How is a foreign-language interpreter handled at a deposition?

The interpreter is first sworn in (an interpreter's oath to translate accurately), and then the interpreter administers/conveys the witness oath; the reporter records testimony as interpreted.

What is the purpose of swearing in a witness before testimony?

To place the witness under legal obligation to tell the truth, making false statements subject to perjury penalties.

What is an exhibit in legal proceedings?

A document, object, or other tangible item formally introduced as evidence or for identification during a proceeding.

How are exhibits typically marked at a deposition?

Each exhibit is given a sequential identifier (e.g., 'Exhibit 1' or by deposition/party), and the reporter notes the marking on the record and attaches the exhibit to the transcript.

What is the court reporter's responsibility for handling exhibits?

To mark, identify, track, and safeguard exhibits, accurately note them on the record, and ensure they are properly attached to or referenced in the final transcript.

What does 'going on the record' mean?

The point at which the reporter begins making the official verbatim record of the proceeding; all statements from that point are transcribed.

What does 'going off the record' mean, and who may direct it?

Pausing the official transcription so statements are not recorded; it generally requires agreement of all parties/counsel, and the reporter should only go off the record when all agree.

What is a 'read-back'?

When the reporter reads aloud previously recorded testimony from the record, typically at the request of an attorney, judge, or jury to clarify what was said.

What does the court reporter's 'neutral role' require?

The reporter must remain impartial, not give legal advice, not favor any party, and produce a complete, accurate, verbatim record without alteration or bias.

Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, what rule governs depositions by oral examination?

FRCP Rule 30, which covers notice, conduct, the officer's duties, and certification of the deposition.

Under FRCP Rule 30, what must the officer (reporter) state on the record at the beginning of a deposition?

The officer's name and business address, the date/time/place, the deponent's name, the administration of the oath, and the identity of all persons present.

What is the general deposition time limit under FRCP Rule 30?

A deposition is limited to one day of 7 hours, unless the parties stipulate otherwise or the court orders additional time.

What does FRCP Rule 30(e) provide regarding witness review?

It allows the deponent 30 days after notification that the transcript is available to review it and make changes in form or substance via an errata sheet, with reasons stated, and to sign it.

Under FRCP Rule 28, who may take a deposition?

A deposition must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths by federal law or by the law of the place of examination (e.g., a notary or certified court reporter), and who is not a party or relative/employee/attorney of a party.

What does FRCP Rule 31 cover?

Depositions by written questions, where the questions are served in advance and the officer reads them to the deponent and records the answers.

Why do state certification and licensure requirements for court reporters vary?

Court reporting is regulated at the state level, so each state sets its own requirements; some require state licensure/certification (e.g., CSR exams) while others recognize national certifications or have no mandatory license.

What is the RPR designation?

The Registered Professional Reporter, a national entry-level certification from the NCRA demonstrating competency in speed, accuracy, and professional knowledge.

What is a CSR?

A Certified Shorthand Reporter, a state-issued license/certification required to practice court reporting in certain states (e.g., California).

What governs transcript turnaround and delivery timeframes?

Court rules, jurisdiction-specific statutes, and the ordering party's needs; expedited, daily, and realtime deliveries have shorter deadlines than ordinary delivery, often with higher fees.

What is an errata sheet?

A form attached to a deposition transcript on which the deponent lists corrections to the testimony, the page/line, the change, and the reason for each change.

What happens if a deponent does not sign or return the errata sheet within the allotted time?

The reporter notes that the transcript was not signed/returned within the period, and the transcript may be used as if signed; the certificate reflects the witness's failure to review or sign.

What is the reporter's certificate (certification page) on a transcript?

The reporter's signed statement attesting that the witness was duly sworn, that the transcript is a true and accurate record of the testimony, and noting the reporter's neutrality and any review/signature status.